How To Resurface A Swimming Pool

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Fun in the sun means a lot of time in the swimming pool! However, in order to keep your pool looking and functioning well, you must be prepared to maintain it throughout the seasons.

Over time, the surface of your pool can become aged by the pool chemicals and weather elements, making it difficult to enjoy your pool. If your pool liner color is looking faded or stained, you may want to consider pool resurfacing. Depending on the type of inground pool you have, such as concrete or fiberglass, resurfacing might be a project you can DIY. If you’re considering this, here’s a few tips to successfully resurface a swimming pool to give you an idea of what might be required in this DIY project.

Swimming pool resurfacing is a big project. If you’re unsure of how to best complete it, leave it to the pros. Contact a pool contractor today for up to four quotes from pros in your area for free.

Swimming Pool Resurfacing Costs

Whether you choose to DIY this project or hire a pool contractor, there will be costs associated with resurfacing your pool. However, when you begin to notice wear on the pool’s surface, it’s a good time to do so. Cracks in the surface, discoloration in color and staining are all signs that your pool needs to be resurfaced or repaired. Be sure to check your pool for repairs before beginning the resurfacing process.

The average cost to resurface a swimming pool is $5/sf to $7/sf. A large majority of the costs will come from how much material you need. If you plan on hiring a pro for this job, you can expect to pay between $400 to $565 for labor.

Materials Needed

The materials you may need can vary based on what type of inground pool you have. Some choose a simple coat of paint to spruce up their pool as a cheaper option, however it does not last long. On the high end, pool tile resurfacing is becoming more popular, but it has a high cost attached. Today, I'll show you how to resurface a pool with an epoxy coating specifically, as it is the most common choice. This is a great option for plaster and concrete pools, lasting up to eight years.

Here are the materials you need to resurface a pool with epoxy:

Pool Specific Primer Epoxy

Pool Specific Topcoat Epoxy

Underwater Pool Patching

Power Washer

Paint Brush and Roller

Sandpaper

Mask

Step 1: Drain The Pool

One of the best times to resurface a swimming pool is in the off-season, ideally right before it needs to be filled up for the summer. If you choose to do it outside of that time, you’ll need to drain your pool. Check with your local government to see where you are allowed to drain your pool water if you don’t already know. Renting a sump pump will be helpful to get all the water out of your pool in a timely manner. The pool must be drained completely before continuing.

Step 2: Clean The Pool

The pool’s surface should be completely clean of debris such as leaves, dirt and twigs before continuing. Even the smallest item can make your project unsuccessful. Once you’ve removed all items, it’s a good idea to pressure wash your pool to remove any algae or tough stains that may exist. However, you can only pressure wash plaster and concrete pools. Other pool types will need a chemical treatment to clean and prep for resurfacing.

Step 3: Prepare The Surface

Before moving forward, you must ensure that your pool structure is in good shape. Fill in any small holes and cracks with underwater pool patching. The type of pool patching can vary based on what style pool you have. For larger cracks, it’s best to call in a contractor. The average cost to repair a swimming pool is $246, with most homeowners spending between $165 and $276.

Step 4: Prime The Surface

Most epoxy refinishing options require you to prime the pool surface first with a pool specific primer epoxy. Before you begin applying the primer, put on your mask to block any harmful fumes. Paint the pool surface with the primer. Be sure to cover every part with a coating. This process will take between two to three hours, including drying time.

Step 5: Finish The Surface

Once the primer is dry, begin painting from deep to shallow, with the pool specific topcoat epoxy. If it’s in a different color, it will be easy to spot areas you may have missed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and coating recommendations.

You must gently sand the pool in between coats so the next layer adheres correctly. Most pools take approximately three to four coats of epoxy. Always start painting after the last coat is dry. This may take a few hours to sitting overnight, depending on your climate.

Step 6: Dry & Refill

Once you’ve finished the last coat of epoxy, let the pool dry and sit for about five to seven days. Refill the pool and enjoy your fresh, new look!

Conclusion

Resurfacing a swimming pool with epoxy can be a time-consuming project. But, it must be done to keep your pool in the best shape for you to enjoy all summer long. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning to see what must be done to complete this project successfully.